Dana Point Turkey Trot Wraps Up 35th Annual Race and Looks Ahead to 2013

IRVINE, CA, December 06, 2012 (Press-News.org) The Dana Point Turkey Trot, a Southern California family tradition, has officially wrapped its 2012 Thanksgiving Day run, providing Orange County runners with one of the most successful races to date in its 35-year history. The Dana Point Turkey Trot hosted more than 10,000 runners on race day, as well as thousands more volunteers, families and spectators in the Dana Point Harbor. In addition, the Dana Point Turkey Trot donated $25,000 to this year's race beneficiary, the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group. With the success of the 2012 race, the Dana Point Turkey Trot is already gearing up for the 2013 run, with an early call for sponsors.

The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, the official organizers of the race, joined together with RUN Racing to provide 2012 participants with race enhancements that included: a return to two 5K start times to alleviate over-crowding, moisture-wicking technical t-shirts, finisher medals for all participants, and fun photo opportunities along the course.

In addition, the Dana Point Turkey Trot held a two-day Health and Wellness Expo on Nov. 21 and 22, offering the community a variety of exhibitor booths that included the latest in health and wellness, as well as industry expert speakers and local fitness celebrities. Dean Karnazes, the "Ultramarathon Man" and one of Time Magazine's Most Influential People, was on-site at the expo to sign books and autographs at The Greek Gods booth, participated in both the 5K and 10K, and kicked off the Kids' Gobble Wobble. Alongside Karnazes, Dana Point Mayor Lara Anderson and Colonel Roger Turner, commander of the local 5th Marine Regiment, called the start of the race and joined the thousands of participants in the family fun of this Thanksgiving Day tradition.

"For 35 years the Dana Point Turkey Trot has been an Orange County tradition for thousands and we are so pleased to have had another successful year in bringing fun to local families and support to our local Marines," said Heather Johnston, executive director, Dana Point Chamber of Commerce. "We want to thank this year's sponsors for making this the biggest and best race to date. Stay tuned for what's to come in 2013 to make the 36th annual Turkey Trot even better."

Attracting thousands of participants each year to its 5K, 10K, and Kids' Gobble Wobble, the Dana Point Turkey Trot is the sixth largest Turkey Trot in the nation and the largest Thanksgiving Day race in Southern California. 2012 sponsors of the Dana Point Turkey Trot included: Presenting sponsor, the City of Dana Point; Kids' Gobble Wobble Race sponsor, Mission Hospital; Health & Wellness Expo sponsor, Aviir Diagnostic Laboratories; corporate sponsor, The Greek Gods ; and additional sponsors, 100.3 FM The Sound, COX Communications, Building Online, CLIF Bar, Dick's Sporting Goods, Lantern Bay Village, Salt Creek Grille, South Coast Water District, The Toll Roads, Independence Bank, NUTRISHOP Dana Point, Pacific Western Bank, Dana Point Times, Fitness Together, Mahe, Sunsets Bar, Still Water Spirits & Sounds, Best Western Plus Marina Shores Hotel, Dana Point Harbor and California State Parks.

The Dana Point Turkey Trot is now accepting sponsors for the 2013 race, ranging from Title Sponsor and Friends of the Turkey Trot, to expo exhibitors and race t-shirt sponsors. Organizations will reach thousands of runners, athletes and community members, and millions more through media impressions, all while making a vital impact on the local economy in Orange County.

For more information about the 36th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot and sponsorship opportunities, visit http://www.turkeytrot.com. Follow the Dana Point Turkey Trot on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/turkeytrot and Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/danapointturkeytrot.

About the Dana Point Turkey Trot:
Produced by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, the Dana Point Turkey Trot is the nation's sixth largest turkey trot. Named one of America's best Thanksgiving Day runs by Fitness Magazine, the Dana Point Turkey Trot has become an Orange County tradition, attracting more than 16,000 participants in its 5K, 10K, Kids' Gobble Wobble, and two-day health and wellness expo. Featuring scenic routes through picturesque Dana Point Harbor and Doheny State Beach, the Turkey Trot offers something for every member of the family. The Dana Point Turkey Trot is a USA Track & Field (USATF) sanctioned and certified event and a USATF Southern California Championship 10K Race. The 2012 Dana Point Turkey Trot helped fundraise for the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group. For more information or to become a sponsor, visit http://www.turkeytrot.com.